When you look into lifting procedures, Onda Lifting is often grouped right alongside Thermage and Ultherapy. Because of the name "lifting," many patients visit us expecting a treatment that will pull up and saggy cheeks or jawlines in the same way. However, when looking in the mirror right after the treatment, some feel disappointed because they don't immediately feel that "tight, pulled-up sensation."

To put it simply, even though Onda Lifting is grouped under the same "lifting" category, it target entirely different concerns. Rather than pulling up sagging skin, Onda is closer to gently enhancing elasticity while refining prominent fat and facial contours. So, if your expected result is "lifting saggy skin," Onda might not be the right choice to start with.

Under the same 'lifting' umbrella, but targeting different layers

These three treatments use completely different types of energy. Onda is a microwave* device developed by DEKA in Italy. With 2.45GHz microwaves, about 80% of the energy is converted into heat in the fat cells, and only 20% in the dermis. The focus of the target is heavily weighted toward the fat layer.

* Microwave: High-frequency electromagnetic waves also used in microwave ovens. They possess property of generating heat by vibrating specific molecules, and Onda utilizes this property to selectively warm up the fat layer.

On the other hand, Thermage uses radiofrequency (RF) to heat dermic collagen to boost elasticity, while Ultherapy uses ultrasound (HIFU) to deliver heat deeper into the SMAS layer* to lift sagging tissues. Here is a quick summary:

* SMAS Layer: A firm layer of tissue located between the skin and muscle. It acts as a supportive structure for the face, so stimulating this layer results in a visible lifting effect for sagging skin.

Why results appear 2 to 4 weeks later, rather than immediately

It is completely normal if you don't feel an "instant difference" right after Onda Lifting. The fat cells heated by the microwave technology gradually shrink over the course of several weeks, and at the same time, it takes time for the collagen in the dermis to remodel and rebuild.

Therefore, changes are usually felt gradually starting 2 to 4 weeks post-treatment. This means comparing your photos from one month later to your pre-treatment state will give you a much more accurate picture. It is too early to judge the treatment as "ineffective" on the very day of your first session; it is not that the treatment is slow to work, but rather that its natural mechanism takes time to unfold.

Different handpieces for the face and body

Even with the same Onda device, the approach varies by area. For the face, we typically use a 3mm handpiece to heat the dermis, targeting skin texture, fine lines, and mild elasticity. For the body (thicker areas like the abdomen, flanks, and double chin), we use a 7mm handpiece to reach the subcutaneous fat layer and refine the contours.

The number of sessions also varies. Because the fat layer on the face is relatively thin, you may see changes after 1 to 3 sessions. However, for body treatments, we generally recommend 3 to 5 sessions spaced one month apart to see clearly defined contour improvements. The results often last from 6 months to a year, but if you gain weight, the remaining fat cells can expand again, meaning post-treatment care plays a big role in your long-term results. Since the ideal number of sessions and intervals depends on your unique fat distribution, we recommend discussing a personalized plan with our medical team.

Is Onda Lifting right for you?

First, it's helpful to clarify whether your main goal is improving "sagging" or refining "contours and fat volume." If your primary concern is sagging cheeks that drape downward, Ultherapy or Thermage may be more suitable. However, if prominent fat and contours—such as the jawline, jowls, or a double chin—make your face look heavy, Onda is an excellent match.

When we look at facial contours, we always evaluate the "shadows" on the face. The key is reducing those shadows created by areas that bulge or sink, and Onda specializes in 'slimming down prominent fat.' If sagging is also present, we often customize a plan—for example, lifting with Ultherapy first, then refining the contours with Onda. However, performing heat-based treatments too close together can lead to prolonged swelling, so it is safest to plan the combination sequence and intervals together during a detailed consultation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When will I see the effects of Onda Lifting?

Generally, results appear gradually starting 2 to 4 weeks after the treatment. This is because it takes time for the heated fat cells to slowly shrink and for new collagen to regenerate. It is most accurate to compare your photos from a month later rather than immediately after.

Q. Is the treatment painful, and does it cause bruising?

You will feel a deep, warm sensation during the session. However, because it heats the area rather than using injections, bruising is significantly less common compared to fat-dissolving injections. You might experience minor swelling or a slightly firm sensation for a few days.

Q. How many sessions do I need, and how long do the results last?

We typically recommend 1 to 3 sessions for the face and 3 to 5 sessions for the body, with results lasting around 6 months to a year. Since results are influenced by weight changes, the number of sessions and duration will vary based on individual conditions.

Q. Can Onda Lifting lift a sagging face?

Onda is not primarily designed to pull up sagging skin. It is focused on reducing fat volume in the contours and adding mild elasticity. If skin sagging is your main concern, we recommend treatments like Ultherapy that target deeper layers.

Recommended Readings

• Thermage & Ultherapy: Why you shouldn't view them as the same "lifting" treatment

• The belief that "I can't get lifting because I have no facial fat" is half wrong

• Onda Lifting pricing: Easy to understand once you look at the energy joules

• If your face looks slim lying down but sags when standing up, you need lifting, not fat reduction